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Another great guest post from Natalie Jones.
If you’re an introvert, you may find it hard (even terrifying) to speak in front of others, let alone lead them. However, introverts actually make some of the best leaders. They think through decisions carefully, give a calm appearance, and are comfortable leading independently. If your ideal Friday night is binge-watching Netflix solo and the thought of public speaking makes you want to cry, don’t stress: You can still lead. That said, you’ll have to put in the work if you’re going to make it to the top. So try out these tips from Emmanuel Fonte to start improving your skills today!
Harness Your Introvert Traits for Better Leadership
As an introvert, you might think that leadership roles are out of your reach – but think again! Introverts have some unique traits that make them great leaders. So maybe it’s time that you harness your secret superpowers. According to Vault, introverted leaders are better at accepting feedback, form stronger loyalties, and tend to be more productive. You can lead by example when you’re actually getting your hands dirty, something introverts are likely to do. Embrace your introverted tendencies and you’ll be able to make the most of them.
And if you’d like to take your leadership to the next level by starting your own business, there are plenty of resources to help. One of the first things you’ll have to do is choose a business structure. A limited liability company is a popular choice because of the legal protections and tax benefits. You can set it up yourself, or better yet, use an online formation service that’s already familiar with the state-specific LLC regulations.
Keep in mind that introverts can benefit from the opportunity to take breaks at home. You might want to explore the possibility of moving closer to work so you can head home for routine refreshers. Check into the housing market to see what homes are selling for to better budget the move. For instance, homes in Seattle for a median price of $850K.
Practice Your Active Listening Skills
One of the biggest assets you have as an introvert is your ability to listen, so lean into it. These communication skills require being fully present, showing eye contact, noticing non-verbal cues, and asking open-ended questions. The next time you have a conversation with someone, put active listening into practice, for example by asking open-ended questions.
Network to Develop Speaking Confidence
Networking is a valuable tool that can boost your speaking skills and confidence. Attending events and meeting new people provides ample opportunities to practice communication and presentation skills. The more you engage with others, the more comfortable you become expressing yourself and articulating your thoughts. Be mindful of caffeine if it makes you feel more anxious, as you want to be at ease as much as possible. You can visit CaffeineGurus to learn more about the amounts of caffeine in drinks like espresso and coffee.
Additionally, networking can encourage lead generation, giving you a platform to share your expertise and knowledge with others who may benefit from your services or products. By consistently putting yourself in networking situations, you can improve your speaking abilities, build relationships, and ultimately, grow your business.
Embrace the One-on-One Meeting Format
One thing introverts may struggle with as leaders is meetings. Standing up in front of a room full of people can be intimidating and make you want to crawl into bed and curl into a ball. Real talk: You don’t have to have group meetings. Instead, prioritize one-on-one meetings. You’ll find it easier to communicate and you won’t get as intimidated. Cornerstone On Demand has tips for holding a successful face-to-face, for example by specifying desired results up front and asking good questions.
Increase Your Confidence with a Business Degree
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business can provide introverted individuals with various opportunities to develop their leadership skills. While introverted leaders are often seen as reserved and uncommunicative, completing a business degree program can equip them with the knowledge and confidence to effectively lead their teams.
The curriculum in business programs involves multiple group projects and assignments, which can help introverts learn how to navigate their way through social situations and positively influence their peers. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills can help introverts develop their analytical skills and refine their communication abilities, ultimately boosting their confidence as effective leaders.
Trust Technology to Stay Organized
Whatever kind of leader you are, one thing you can do to ace it is to stay organized. When you’ve got a team under you, it’s important to know who is doing what, when and how. A project management tool can help ensure you’re in control without having to be present in person. A cloud-based tool is ideal, allowing teams to collaborate and share work with their managers in real-time.
Look for Non-Work Opportunities to Practice Leadership
They say that practice makes perfect. This holds true for leadership too. The more you lead others, the easier it will get. Look for chances outside of the office to put your skills to the test. You can get involved in a community sports league, for example, or take part in volunteer work. Organizing and managing a volunteer event is a great way to gain valuable leadership experience. As you advance in your career, you can also try mentoring others to finetune your leadership chops. But in the meantime, you might want to work with a business coach to fine tune your own leadership skills.
Show Everyone Your Leadership Skills
If you’re an introvert, you can become a fantastic leader – and it’s largely thanks to the fact that you’d rather stay home solo on a Friday night than go to a party with other people. Trust the tips above – like researching the housing market, monitoring your caffeine intake, and setting up an LLC – to help you succeed.
Emmanuel Fonte is an international speaker, real estate broker, and music lover. Call (206) 713-3244.
